Dores and Essich Community

News

Fish Farm’s planning status queried

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The CC has responded to the latest Planning Application by Mowi to relocate the position of the fish cages nearer to the village. Our representation is as follows.

“DECC would like to point out that the current Planning Permission (09/00685/FULIN) for the operation of this fish farm is restricted by Condition 7 to the original applicant, Bridge of Faillie Smolts.
We enclose a letter dated 14th January 2016 from the Team Leader to Marine Harvest to this effect and informing them of the need to remedy this breach of planning control and that a further planning application would be required. We consider that this breach requires to be remedied before any further consents are granted.”

This application is still being considered and we are awaiting a response from the Planning Department, and once received we will post it on the website.

Highland Council issues caution to swimmers

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After seeking information regarding discharges into Loch Ness, the CC received the following reply from the HC’s Environmental Health Department.

“I note that a resident has informed the Community Council that they have had eye, and nasal irritation after swimming in the loch.  The Bathing Water Profile for Dores Beach identifies the principal risks to water quality at Dores beach arises from agricultural run-off, combined sewer overflows and treated sewage effluent. There is a risk that water pollution may occur after heavy rainfall and  bathing is not advised during or 1-2 days after heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from water pollution. “

The CC is still awaiting a response from SEPA regarding discharges from the Fish Farm.

Scam Warning from Highland Council

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Highland Council warns of COVID-19 crisis grants scam

The Highland Council is warning the public to be on their guard for the latest COVID-19 scam which is circulating around the country. Information on this scam was received by Highland Council Trading Standards, through a national intelligence network.

The scam involves a text message which states that crisis grants of £1500 are now available to individuals who need support during the pandemic.  It asks the recipient to click on a link to check eligibility, gov.crisis-grant.com.

Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, says: “In this type of scam, the scammers are hoping that those in our community who are in real need of financial assistance will click on the link.  The link clearly isn’t a link to an official Government site and by clicking on it, the recipient runs the risk of opening up their personal and financial data, which will likely be used for criminal purposes with no thought for the harm it may cause the individual concerned.”

Sheila McKandie, Head of Revenues & Customer Services, added: “I would urge everyone who reads this message to help stop the scam by sharing this warning and advice issued by Highland Council with as many family members, friends and neighbours as they possibly can.”

She said: “If you, or someone you know, is needing financial support, the Council’s Welfare Support Team can undertake a welfare check to ensure that their household’s income is maximised by claiming all entitlements that are due.  Our team can be contacted on 0800 090 1004 or by email to welfare.support@highland.gov.uk.  Alternatively, your local Citizens Advice Bureau is on hand and has a team of experts to offer advice and to assist with completing all relevant application forms.”

Any individual who receives one of these scam texts is asked to delete it completely from their device.

Highland Council Trading Standards work in partnership with Advice Direct Scotland (ADS). 

Anyone who thinks they may have been scammed can contact ADS who offer free and confidential consumer advice on Freephone 0808 164 6000 or by email through their website address at:www.consumeradvice.scot

Grass cutting in the village

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Following various complaints about the use of weed killer in the village to treat edges and paths, Ella and Cllr Davidson have contacted the grass cutting dept to to ask that this ceases.

Minimal use was required due to staffing levels during recent times to treat weeds etc but the way it has been applied in the village in not acceptable. Pictures sent by a resident to Cllr Davidson have been used to illustrate the issue. Hopefully we won’t see this happen again.

Dores Community Council and Dores Community Development Trust Hardship Fund

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Dores Community Council and Dores Community Development Trust

Financial Hardship due to Coronavirus?

This may be difficulty with fuel bills/ petrol for your car/ food bills.

Shielding?

You may have difficulty collecting medicines/ buying food or school uniform

Need help in any way?

We are here to help.

Contact: 

Ella Macrae Mob: 07713257416, Home Phone 01463 751219

Louise Robertson Mob: 07734469367

Colin McPherson Mob: 07730027384

We have funding available from Highland and Island Enterprises which is independent from the Benefits system and any other governing body. Talk to us confidentially and we will do our best to support you in these difficult times

Community Council asks for a 20mph speed limit on the Torbreck Farm road.

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The C1040 public road which runs from the B862 to the C1064 road at Essich Meadows( part of the N78 National Cycle route ) has seen a massive increase in pedestrians and cyclists but still retains a 60 mph limit on most of it, ironically those parts that have no pavement and little or no verges.
The Dores and Essich Community Council would like to see a 20mph limit imposed under the Covid-19 Active Travel proposals to ensure safety.